"By
filing suit, we are staying committed to holding Texas Brine accountable for
the damage they've caused to Bayou Corne and to Louisiana. We have already
pushed for buyouts for affected residents and are undertaking a thorough review
of all of Texas Brine's permits in our state. This suit is just the next step
in making sure Texas Brine does the right thing and properly addresses the mess
it's caused."

Attorney
General Buddy Caldwell commented as well on his concerns about the safety of
Louisiana citizens is the most important.

"The
safety and welfare of our citizens is the top priority. Additionally, Louisiana
has expended significant financial resources to help the Bayou Corne and Grand
Bayou communities receive the assistance and protection they need. We are
pursuing this lawsuit to hold the appropriate parties responsible for this
tragic event," said Caldwell.

After a year,
residents said they hoped the situation would be resolved. They expressed
anger at the way they feel they have been treated. Several residents asked
why no state officials were present during the anniversary ceremony.

Unfortunately
for these residents, both parish and Texas Brine officials agree that this is
far from over. While 3D seismic surveys conducted by Texas Brine seem to
indicate that the sinkhole itself is beginning to slow and stabilize, the
recovery has focused on a new danger: natural gas gathering underneath a nearby
aquifer.

The Assumption Parish Police Jury reported the area west of Grand Bayou along LA 70 is no longer under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders because of the sinkhole, with the exception of a residential area near Bayou Corne.

The Assumption Parish Police Jury reported the area west of Grand Bayou along LA 70 is no longer under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders because of the sinkhole, with the exception of a residential area near Bayou Corne.